spending his first full day free on bail today. what's next for him as he prepares to face murder charges in the shooting death of his girlfriend, reeva steenkamp. lance armstrong, facing a new legal challenge, this one from the u.s. government and it could cost him millions of dollars. more about that, coming up in a few moments. if you are a parent, likely it's happened. your parents whining and crying about not wanting to go to bed. >> never. never, sawyer. >> one little boy in massachusetts took it a step further. called 911. mom and dad, i'll show you. a tale of the tape and what his mom had to say about it, coming up. >> that is a good one. may have tried karoke singing, chances are, you have never done it inside a taxi. we'll show you -- introduce you to the karoke cab. a big hit. you can see why. jena rocking it out. and we'll give it a whirl on the plaza. may want to turn down the sound for that part. >> hard to top the rehearsal,

6:00 out on the cold plaza. >> out there in the rain. >> with nothing to drink. >> maybe we will be warmed up in the next couple of hours. >> no water? >> you know what i meant. karoke. we begin with wintry weather hitting coast to coast. dylan is tracking the storm. keeping you busy. >> for sure. we have a lot of wet weather to talk about. mostly down across the southeast. moisture streaming from the gulf of mexico. so that's part one to the storm, with heavy rain coming down across alabama and down into georgia. moving into the carolinas. but we are focusing on the northeast. especially new england, which has been getting hit by storm after storm and winter weather advisories in effect across interior new england, back into central pennsylvania and also into portions of western virginia as well. we could see a bit of freezing rain in northwestern new jersey. we'll end up with three to six inches, we have to overcome the rain out there right now, or at

least on the leading edge of this storm. that will eat away at the snowfall totals. highest elevations could end up 6 to 9 inches. boston itself, only a few inches out of the storm. we're focusing on the northwest, idaho, nevada, we have snow coming down. this will turn into another big storm for the midwest. as we go into early next week. so here you see the time frame on this particular computer model. notably the european model, which has been very good at forecasting these snowstorms well in advance, so far this season. but saturday to tuesday, in that time frame, you can see, snow will overspread the midwest once again. kansas city could be the bull's-eye, just like last week, and the midwest could end up with 6 to 12 inches of snow. that is something we'll be watching as we head to early next week. erica. >> dylan, thanks. another storm brewing in washington today. less than a week from mandatory government spending cuts going into effect.

this morning, the president warned how it could effect you if congress fails to act. kristen welker at the white house with more on that good morning. >> reporter: lester, good morning to you. president obama said he plans to have conversations with congress into next week. but it's increasingly likely the sequester will go into effect. in his weekly address today, president obama says it's up to congress to act. >> here is the thing. these cuts don't have to happen. congress can turn them off any time with just a little compromise. they can pass a balanced plan for deficit reduction. they can cut spending in a smart way and close wasteful tax loopholes for the well off and well connected. >> reporter: in an effort to pressure congress, the obama administration has been painting a dire picture what will happen if the sequester kicks in. and ray lahood warned the faa would have to furlough 47,000

employees which he argued could slow air travel. >> travelers should expect delays. flights to major cities like new york, chicago, and san francisco and others could experience delays of up to 90 minutes during peek hourpeak hours beca we have fewer controllers on staff. delays will ripple across the country. >> 800,000 defense department workers will be furloughed. 10,000 teachers and educators could be laid off and some border patrol agents would see a decrease in hours. house speaker john boehner's office responded saying the president has been "far more interested in holding campaign-style rallies than urging his party in the senate to fund a solution." the sticking points are familiar with president obama, calling for new tax revenue and republicans saying they want to see this work out to entitlement

reform and spending cuts with just six days left. there is really no resolution in sight. lester. >> kristen welker. thanks. here is erica. turning to south africa, where former olympian oscar pistorius is spending his first full day out on bail. michelle kosinkski joins us with more. >> reporter: he went to his uncle's house after being released on bail. he can't go back to his own home, the scene of the alleged crime. he to turn in passports, guns, can't use drugs or alcohol. needs permission to leave town and has to check in with police twice a week starting monday. he may start training again monday, even though his agent canceled all upcoming races. his coach says that may be the best thing for him right now to clear his mind. isn't training the last thing on pistorius' mind after losing his girlfriend? the coach didn't comment. pistorius sobbed, his body

shaking as the ruling was read. the judge said he had problems with pistorius' account about what happened that morning that reeva steenkamp was killed. why derush into the danger that he claimed was so terrifying? why didn't he ask who was in the bathroom before he fired shots? why didn't he search for his girlfriend when he determined she wasn't in the bed? but he doesn't think pistorius is a danger and is not likely to run from justice. he doesn't have to be in court until june. karen de soto, a former prosecutor. you watched this with interest yesterday. it was very long. we got a lot of detail. does it give you any insight how the trail will play out? >> it will be a mad house. a four-day bail hearing which is unusual. a lot of details which is very good for the defense. the defense is doing discovery and gives you a blueprint of where the prosecutor is going and where the details are going

to fall. >> but go ahead for tod for the would think you would say good for the prosecution too. some of the was laid out in the statement that was given by pistorius and his attorneys, it gives a better sense to the prosecution as well. >> of course. he's admitting there is a dead body, she was shot, in a locked bathroom. so the prosecutor has a pretty solid case. maybe not murder. maybe it will be the lesser included offense of culpable homicide. but he admits he killed her. what level of culpability is what is at stake at the trail. what happens next? there is a preliminary hearing on june 4th that sets up the actual trial. >> right. the trial will be within the year and there will be a lot of evidentiary practice and motion hearings. it is similar to what we have here. that's the next step. he's out on bail now, so he can aid in his defense and the prosecutor will be investigating probably looking at character witnesses, all those rumors that

have been swirl willing be investigated. >> any surprise that he wasn't granted bail? >> no, that's not unusual. it's very -- usually you let the defendant out to aid in his defense. this is a world renowned person. very inspirational. really down to flight risk and whether he's a risk to the community. i mean, if it is a cold-blooded murder, obviously, what may have been a crime of passion, domestic violence involved, very serious in nature, but not a harm to anyone else. >> there are things that are different in the south africa justice system. number one being it will look different to most of us. not a jury. >> this is very interesting because of apartheid and racial discrimination. they move from jury trials to judge panels. interesting as an attorney. my bench trials are very different than my jury trials. the reason, is because you have a tendency to be more technical and less emotional if his defense is the intruder defense. >> more technical with a judge than jury? >> correct.

more formal, more law oriented. with jurors, you will be a lot more emotional which would have been good for april introduceder defense, you want to play on juror emotions. you won't have that with judges. they have seen it all, been there, and in his case, probably a minus, not a plus. >> as a former prosecutor, anything you've heard or read in the way things were being handled or said? >> yes. the dna evidence is not that important when you look at the intent to what happened. 3:00 in the morning, a lot of scenarios i've seen with women in any country locked in the bathroom. same old factual scenario. they get in an argument, she locks herself in the bathroom. [ bleep ], [ bleepe expletive, locked in the bathroom there was probably a fight.

i have seen it on both side, women and children locked in the bathroom at 3:00 in the morning, there is really no good end there. >> nice to have you here. >> thank you. >> erica, thanks. lance armstrong faces a serious new legal challenge this morning. the justice department is suing him for using performance-enhancing drugs during the tour de france. our justice correspondent pete williams with more from washington. >> for years, lance armstrong has successfully avoided getting dragged into court over cheating allegations, but the u.s. government is joining a lawsuit that seeks millions of dollars. the justice department is joining suit filed by floyd landis. it claims when armstrong raced for the u.s. postal service team a decade ago in the u.s. postal service team, he violated the government by using banned substances. he claims landis saw armstrong

story and reinject his own blood to boost performance and armstrong twice gave landis banned hormones before races. last month, armstrong generally admitted cheating in an interview with oprah winfrey, saying it was a given for world-class races, like putting air in the tires or water in the bottle. armstrong could face huge fines if the government wins. the postal service paid at least $30 million to sponsor his racing team. armstrong's lawyers said they tried for weeks to reach a settlement and no matter what he did, the government still came out ahead. in a written statement, his lawyers stated that the postal service own study benefited tremendously from its sponsorship. it should be noted, this is a civil suit, not a criminal case, no possibility of jail time. most of these cases end in settlement and this does turn up

pressure on armstrong to reach one, lester. >> pete williams this morning. thanks. let's get a check from the morning's other top stories from jenna wolfe. welcome back. >> nice to be here. we'll start with the entire fleet of the pentagon's f-35 fighter jets. grounded after a cracked engine blade discovered on the air force version of the jet on routine inspection. all f-35s were grounded, even though the marines and navy use different versions. it is being sent to the manufacturer to figure out what happened. if you have an f-35, don't fly it today. boeing hopes to get the dreamliner flying as soon as possible. executives met with the faa to talk about the ongoing battery issues that grounded the fleet in the first place. bowing is proposing a fix for the batteries, even though they don't know what caused them to overheat. the faa is reviewing the

proposal closely. microsoft has been hacked. a small number of computers infected with malware. the attack is similar to the recent ones that plagued apple, facebook and twitter. it doesn't appear any customers' information is affected. dangerous flog in australia has killed at least two people. look at the pictures. many drivers left stranded because of rising waters there. nearly four months after superstorm sandy ravaged the northeast. the last of the residents forced out are finally allowed to return home. they are finding they have a lot of work ahead of them. more than half of the homes in this new jersey community are beyond repair it will probably take three to five years to rebuild. sometimes it pays to return a ring that was accidentally dropped in your cup. that's the moral. here is the story. we'll do this backward today. we told you about the homeless man last week and how he returned a diamond ring dropped in his change cup by accident. get this. because he did the right thing, thousands of strangers donated

money to that homeless man, billy ray harris, not just small change money. more than $90,000 has been gathered on an online site, set up by the husband of the woman who dropped the ring in the first place. michelle obama has moves, will use them, and embraces her inner laugh track. kicking off a let's move initiative visiting jimmy fallon. ♪ >> there is mrs. obama and jimmy fallon doing some mom moves. they talked about her and the president's date nights. how can i read this and watch this and be all serious. what kind of music she and the girls listen to. i know. what sort of reality tv -- what is this one? >> the sprinkler. >> yeah. >> is that what it's called? >> my cousin rocks that one. she taught it to me. >> why don't you just -- you

should label all the moves. this one. this is the sprinkler. >> still the sprinkler. >> and then right back. >> i am so 1988. >> wait, that's our move. that's our move right there. >> i want to say hello to dylan dreyer. back with the rest of the national forecast. >> not doing moves. the roger rabbit, all out of my repertoire. big storms across the country. heavy rain across the southeast will turn into snow in the northeast. especially interior new england. 3 to 6 inches of snow. 9 in highest elevations and another storm moving through the rockies and approaching the midwest. early next week, another foot of snow is possible and especially in the kansas city good saturday morning to you. we do have some areas of drizzle and even a little bit of light

rain out by the trivalley and into san jose this morning but what's left of some of that drizzle should be gone by lunch time. clearing skies, a bit breezy, northwest winds kick in, highs upper 50s, close to 60, a cool start to the weekend but turning warmer tomorrow and look at the seven-day forecast, very dry, second half of the week we'll see warming temperatures, 60s and 70s inland approaching thursday and friday. >> and that is your latest forecast. eri erica. pope benedict met italy's leader five days before he steps down. there is speculation about whether an american cardinal could replace him as pope. anne thompson has more from vatican city. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, erica. all kind of chatter at the vatican where pope benedict is back on the job after his week-long lenten retreat. he appointed new bishops italy and mexico as people here at the vatican are getting ready for what are expected to be huge

crowds for its final two events. meanwhile ther meanwhile, there are many questions about this momentous occasion, like who will lead the church, that are still unanswered. a week before pope benedict retires and still no clear front-runner to succeed him. however, there is a long shot. new york's gregarious cardinal timothy dolan. >> i'll do anything to get you guys to church. >> reporter: praise in catholic circles for his efforts to revitalize the church and fighting obama administration con ra sepgs coverage mandate. this week he was depossessed about how he dealt with abusive priests as archbishop of milwaukee. what impact will this have on cardinal dolan? >> it will have zero impact on his leadership within the conclave. he's a known quantity, man of integrity. known as someone who can communicate the catholic faith

positively. >> reporter: here in rome, another cardinal, roger mahony, retired archbishop of los angeles, is fired for his role in moving and shielding abusive priests. not a contender for the paper a papacy, he faces his own deposition. mahony should stay home some are saying and some american catholics agree. >> all cardinals are beholden to the highest standard. anyone whose hands are tainted should refrain from voting. >> reporter: cardinals from ireland and belgium are also mire did in scandal. but also cardinals under age of 80 must vote unless seriously ill or must refrain from traveling. one of the things we'll watch is whether he starts to move up the start date of the conclave to

choose his successor. >> lester. >> erica. thanks. here at home, the oscars just one day away with threes best picture contenders based on real-life events. how much is fact? how much is fiction? here is mike tiabbi. >> in "argo," there is a tense airport chase scene at the end that never happened. >> in order to make an exciting and entertaining film, you have to stretch the truth. >> reporter: artistic license says one critic. >> you have to drama ties things a bit. that's the way movie making is. >> reporter: but "zero dark thirty," the stunning procedural about the killing of osama bin laden, began with a torture scene even the filmmakers say they never confirmed produced useful clues includes. and in steven spielberg's lincoln, a key fact wrong. connecticut's two congressmen did not vote against the 13th

amendment ending slavery. placing the state of connecticut on the wrong side of the historic and divisive fight over slavery is a distortion of easily verifiable facts. agreed says turner classic movie host. >> it's a movie about the passages of the 13th amendment or a movie about whether we're going to torture people in the united states of america, you bet their feet should get held to the fire. >> reporter: oscar has celebrated dozens of films based on true stories that imagined character, dialog, and hole seens. from patton to a beautiful mind to the king's speech. film makers rely on historical license to create hiss f historical dramas. >> as i teacher, find that what students know comes from movies. you have to give them a much broader context of history than

hollywood movies are capable of giving them. >> reporter: in the oscar spotlight this year, three movies about significant historical events, and the story teller's age-old question, why let the facts get in the way of a good story. for "today," mike tiabbi. and we learn more about the three victims on the las vegas strip shooting. first, this

still to come on a saturday on "today," plus-size fashion all the rage on the runway. we'll look at the amazing rescue mission dedicated to saving endangered pandas. you'll say aw a lot. some say it may not be worth it

good morning to you, looking live at some of the water drops, the mist that we're seeing around the bay area on this start to saturday morning. thanks for joining us. i'm kris sanchez along with meteorologist rob mayeda and what can we expect from the rain drops to get bigger, more rain? >> in the trivalley they'll have to get the windshield wiper this is morning. the drizzle as the weak front passes by this morning and our temperatures thanks to the cloud cover is mild outside, upper 40s to near 50. the winds will be picking up this afternoon and you'll see hour by hour the winds should

clear out the low clouds that are bringing us some of the areas of drizzle and light rain this morning so the sun wins out this afternoon, kind of a cool start to the weekend, upper 50s to near 60 for a high today and then tomorrow not much drizzle for the morning, we'll see a little bit of a warmup to finish off the weekend and look at the seven-day forecast very dry for this time of year, could be getting back into the 70s by the time we get towards thursday and friday. >> thank you very much, rob. for the first time in years an oakland man is waking up this morning free. it was an emotional reunion between 51-year-old ronald ross and his mother yesterday afternoon at her home in dublin. ross was released from jail after spending seven years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. it took a four-year investigation by a san francisco law firm, a private investigator, and a northern california innocence project to free ross who faced a 25 years to life in prison for attempted murder. there are serious allegations that the oakland police sergeant

in charge of the investigation at the time not only did shoddy work but showed the shooting victim six photos and told him to pick ross' picture out of the line-up. as for mom and son, they are not dwelling on those years lost, they are xhcherishing what's to come. >> he said we're going to be all right, mom, we're going to be all right and i'm quite sure we'll be all right because i live to see him get out. >> ross is originally from louisiana and says he will be taking a much needed vacation there to see his four adult children. the list of suspects is growing, a fifth person now has been charged in the high-profile killing of a south bay millionaire. 32-year-old katrina marie fritz was arraigned on murder and robbery charges yesterday. detectives claim she is a prostitute who was frequently hired by the victim, ravi kumra, killed in a home invasion last

november. fritz's brother is one of the three men charged in the case. another suspect and prostitute, raven dixon has already been charged as an accessory. a gun buy-back event spear-headed by two bay area fathers is taking place this morning on the peninsula. menlo park base has raised $30,000 for the event. roger lee and james cook have children in palo alto schools and were deeply affected bit mass shooting in newtown, connecticut. coming up later this morning it was an ugly day at the ball park as fists were flying between two california colleges. we'll show thaw bench clearing brawl, more local news in 30 minutes.

we are back on this saturday morning, february 23, 2013. still chilly in many areas of the country. parts of new england this morning expecting the third major snowfall in as many weeks. and there is nasty weather coming all across the country. many of you know all too well about that. we'll get dylan's forecast for your area coming up in just a few minutes. i'm erica hill inside studio 1a alongside lester holt. also coming up this half-hour, saving the giant panda. it's an endangered species. the bears are -- they're adorable.

i mean, there's no contest here. saving them, though, requires a high-tech, expensive operation, and critics are questioning whether it's actually worth all of that money for one species. we'll get into that. controversy, debate. plus, a new look is taking over fashion runways. plus-sized models showing that full-figured women have a place on the catwalk, too. and their story reads like a movie. two teenagers set to walk the red carpet tomorrow at the oscars. they're the -- some of the most unlikely stars probably around. but what a great, inspirational story they have. we'll bring you that ahead. >> great story. later, a story every parent can relate to, a little boy who didn't want to go to bed. you won't believe what he did to get back at his mom. a tantrum would have been okay compared to what he did. >> yes. >> we'll tell you about that. >> for once, a tantrum probably would have been welcome. we begin with the search for suspects in connection with a deadly shooting on the las vegas strip. new information about the victims. we have more from los angeles.

good morning. >> reporter: erica, good morning. the driver of the maserati, kenny clutch cherry, was an aspiring rapper. while he had minor run-ins with the law several years ago, so far nothing explains why he would have been targeted for murder. authorities are hoping ever-present surveillance cameras in sin city provide the break they need. today investigators are scouring recordings from surveillance cameras. both inside and around the aria hotel. >> there is quite a bit of video available that we are at this point in time retrieving. >> reporter: hoping they hold the clues that could provide the break they need in thursday's horrific shooting. the crime scene has been cleared. and the vegas strip is back open for business. still, authorities don't seem any closer to determining what led to the shooting. the gunman still on the loose. police say it began with an argument at the valet stand at the aria. the conflict continued on the vegas strip, witnesses said, when someone in a black range rover fired several shots at a

gray maserati. the maserati spun out of control, hitting several cars, including a taxi that exploded. three people were killed. the taxi driver identified overnight as michael bolden, his passenger, sandra sutton wasmond, and the driver of the maserati identified as kenneth clutch cherry. ♪ >> reporter: the father of three was an aspiring rapper who rapped about his beloved sports car in a recent music video. >> you never want it leave your children leave before you leave. i didn't have him long enough. so i have to live with that. >> reporter: news of the shooting and accident stunned tourists. >> terrifying really. i mean, we're staying at caesar's. it definitely could have been us. >> we're from a small town in missouri. and, you know, things like that don't happen. i'm like, honey, that happened right out the window. crazy. >> reporter: this manhunt spans four states. authorities say they're looking for a black range rover with paper plates. the vehicle they say may contain

the gunman who turned the vegas strip into a scene of tragedy. erica? >> thank you. want to head out to the plaza for a check of the weather from dylan. good morning again. good morning, guys. good morning, everyone. it is a little dreary in the northeast right now. but all of this moisture is heading in. it is raining very heavily down across the panhandle of florida, through alabama, and into georgia, as well. that's why we have flash flood watches and even some flash flood warnings in effect. you can see through southeastern alabama, we are going to see perhaps up to three or more inches of rainfall in the area. we'll also see some thunderstorms, too. that's why northern florida has the best chance of seeing even more rain than that. it will turn into snow in new england, especially interior new england. three to six inches of snow is possible. perhaps up to nine inches in higher elevations. and we've got more snow moving through idaho into montana, that will spread into the midwest as we continue into early next

and a peek out the window this morning may include a little bit of drizzle or light rain around the sunol grade toward dublin but what's left of that low level moisture should be out of here as the winds pick up, drier air moves in and mainly sunny skies into the afternoon. highs upper 50s to near 60, maybe low 60s across the north bay valleys. all areas tomorrow a bit warmer, mainly 60s to finish off the weekend, a few extra clouds into monday and warmer for the second half of the week. >> for your forecast any time, you can always go to weather.com. we have a ninth birthday here. what's your name is. >> brynn. >> it is your first day in new york city. what do you do for 10? 10's the big one. go to hawaii -- >> yeah, that's probably what i would do. >> we got that one figured out. lester? >> always a good answer to anything go. to hawaii. thank you very much. giant pandas are one of the world's most high-profile endangered species even though it might sound shocking. there are now critics who are

asking whether efforts to save the adorable bears are really worth the money and effort. here's more. >> reporter: it's easy to see why pandas are the poster bears of the conservation movement. they're cute. >> they're very cute. they're incredibly cute. >> reporter: sarah becsal, a conservationist, has been working in china at the research base of giant panda breeding for 13 years. >> i think that infantile appearance engenders us to want to protect, protect, protect. >> reporter: with so few pandas left in the wild, scientists have been breeding pandas in captivity with the home of one day setting them free. a high-tech, expensive operation. female pandas are anesthetized and artificially inseminated. here's the result -- these cubs are just four months old they're so cute and so little. we were allowed to go into the nursery and watch them sleeping, eating, and learning how to walk. it's almost become like an industry. you know, trying to make as many pandas as possible.

>> i would say that that's a fair way to explain it. >> reporter: an industry dedicated to saving the panda. what could be wrong with that? >> i think that pouring millions and millions of dollars into one species of albeit incredibly cute animal is salacious. >> reporter: a wildlife expert for the bbc is one of a small but growing number of critics that think with so many species going extinct it makes no sense to spend so much money trying to save just one. >> i don't want the panda to be extinct. but ultimately, let's not waste vast amounts of money trying to prevent it when we could use that money far more efficiently, far more optimally somewhere else. >> reporter: he says all the pandas china's breeding will likely spend their lives in zoos, including zoos here in america, since china's industrial growth has left little space for them in the wild. and to have them as a zoo animal, to have them only living in captivity -- >> no point.

>> reporter: sarah doesn't believe that saving the panda even in the wild is a lost cause. >> if we truly cannot save space for giant padas, how could -- pandas, how could we have hope for others if we can't save the one that we profess to love the most? >> reporter: scientists are doing everything they can to save this icon of wildlife conservation. for "today," kate snow, china. >> it an interesting conversation. that face -- those faces -- who doesn't want to save them? >> you can't not love that face. >> yeah. amazing animals. still to come, what's next for former olympian oscar pistorius now that he's made bail? up next, a different look on the runway. plus-size fashion shows now going mainstream. first, these messages. my wife takes centrum silver. i've been on the fence about it.

then i read an article about a study that looked at the long term health benefits of taking multivitamins. they used centrum silver for the study... so i guess my wife was right. [ male announcer ] centrum. always your most complete. it's healthier, ammonia-free. and with aloe, vitamin e, and coconut oil, my hair looks healthier than before i colored. i switched. you should too, to natural instincts.

so this year, make the most of it. fly like you've never been grounded. scream like you've never been shushed. let go like you have nothing to lose. and hold on to what matters most. it's your vacation. don't just take it. mean it. universal orlando. vacation like you mean it. this morning on "today's style," plus size fashion shows. annabelle roberts will show you curvier figures becoming all the

rage on catwalks around the world. >> red carpet star adele christina hendricks and octavia spencer, part of the new moment, occur ivey and proud. but nothing occur ivey when it comes to the catwalk. the mainstream london fashion week were predictably thin. >> the fact that there isn't any variation that is a problem and a bad message to be sending to girls. >> jada is a plus size model, dress size 14. she started a fringe london fashion week where all of the models are plus model. in the front row, a woman from oregon on a mission. >> plus size women are told they can't feel beautiful. thee events say they can. >> reporter: what are you trying to do? >> we are trying to say plus size curvy women can look great on the catwalk, and we hope this

will impact the plus size community. >> reporter: no question, attitudes are changing. >> it's very important. it is really that plus size people themselves are making the change, and it's very empowering to women in general. >> reporter: singer adele described a little too fat by carl laggerfeld, she hit back and said i represent the majority of women and many am proud of that. for regular plus size women and that's more than half the female population in the u.s., clothes shopping can be a challenge. >> i'm constantly told my section is downstairs in the back corner near furniture or mens wear usually. i'm sorry. i am a woman and thought i was allowed to shop in the women's department. >> reporter: the hope is that curvy styles will become more fashionable. annabelle roberts, nbc news, london. >> up next, two rather unlikely oscar guests. teens headed to the oscar red

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one of the biggest films takes to the red carpet at the oscars, they'll be joined by two boys from a war-torn country. their lives read like a movie script. we have more from hollywood on the story. good morning. >> reporter: hey, lester, good morning to you. for most of the a-list actors and abtresses, getting it the red carpet will be like a local commute. two teenagers left a war zone behind, traveling more than 7,000 miles to be here for the oscars. and they're so close to pulling off the improbable. ♪ >> it's you! you look so big. >> reporter: to appreciate where these kids are today, you have to understand where they were just days ago.

♪ >> reporter: they're from war-torn afghanistan. for 14 you'd fuad, movies, acting, and the oscars never crossed his mind. >> yeah. i never imagined, but i thought that i may go to some other where, but not to hollywood and not for oscars. >> reporter: like a real-life "slum dog millionaire," he's defied all odds, flying out of poverty into show business' biggest night. it started when american film director sam french literally plucked him from the street to play the lead in "buscoci boys." a short film about two broke kids dreaming of a better life, hoping to play afghanistan's national sport, buscoci. >> the film itself says that you can dream and that you should dream. and that that spirit of hope is never be sentencing wish -- be

extinguished whether you're in a country of war or are extremely par. >> reporter: by most measures he was headed to a dead end, no one could have predicted he'd be heading to hollywood. then the movie scored an oscar nomination for best live action short. fuad couldn't hold back the tears. ♪ >> reporter: now in america, they can't hold back the crush of cameras. >> i am hollywood star, it feels so good i'm here. >> reporter: all a first for the base. first time in the states. at run is earsal studios, their first -- universal studios, their first taste of movie magic. and their first fitting for a tux. you look good enough that james bond might be -- use think? >> i am like al pacino. >> reporter: james bond and al

pacino. if this unlikely story ends with an oscar win, it would be the first for an afghan film. not bad for two kids from the streets of kabul. and this really is like the little movie that could. took a village to fund it. they had to film in a war zone. and it took a lot of donations and goodwill to get the boys here to hollywood. true underdogs, lester. i think a lot of people will be rooting for them. >> i think so. thank you very much. people like those kind of stories. >> i love those kind of stories. i love rooting for the underdog. looking forward to seeing what happens. >> i want to see the film. a brief note. monday a complete wrap-up of the oscars. al roker and meredith vieira will be live in hollywood with the winners, fashions, and the parties. just ahead this morning, let's move -- "let's move" is more than just a slogan to michelle obama. we'll see how she's embracing the spotlight in her second term and embracing moves. first, this issed ed it

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a lot more as we continue on "today." lance armstrong coming up the new lawsuit that could cost him millions of dollars. plus oscar pistorius spends his first full day out on bail. we'll look at what is next in the case against him but first these messages. as fibromyalgia -- doctor diagnosedt thought to be the result of over-active nerves that cause chronic, widespread pain. lyrica is believed to calm these nerves. i learned lyrica can provide significant relief from fibromyalgia pain. so now, i can do more of the things i enjoy. lyrica is not for everyone. it may cause serious allergic reactions or suicidal thoughts or actions. tell your doctor right away if you have these, new or worsening depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. or swelling, trouble breathing, rash, hives, blisters, changes in eyesight including blurry vision, muscle pain with fever, or tired feeling. common side effects are dizziness,

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good morning. looking live at the san mateo bridge on a drizzly start to the morning. how long is it going to last? i have the perfect guy to answer that question. i'm kris sanchez along with meteorologist rob mayeda. if you have plans outdoors -- >> you're going to be fine later today. this morning there is enough to wet the roads. you saw it in the trivalley driving down 680, danville, dublin into sunol and kind of stops as you get towards san jose. spotty areas of drizzle, briefly light rain. you can see the clouds clear on out, winds picking up out of the

northwest, bringing in drier air, clear skies and a cool start to the weekend, right now numbers in the upper 50s, close to 60 this afternoon but more sunshine later today and tomorrow even more sunshine, a little bit warmer to finish the weekend. the warmest days of the week, wednesday, thursday, friday could see 60s and 70s as we continue to see unusually dry weather for this time of year. >> we need the rain. a san jose railworker says it is amazing he is still alive. he survived a terrible accident when a 39-foot steel trek smashed into his back and nearly killed him. jose salazar does not exactly remember what happened in november when the almost 1,800 pound section of steel hit him and pinned him to the ground. he and his co-workers were fixing a damaged section of the rail when his fellow worker somehow lost control when lifting the steel track. salazar was in a coma for about a month.

he suffered a skull fracture, a broken back, broken ribs and a punctured lung. on his birthday the san jose railroadwork er will -- >> the risk, what happened, i didn't know anything until i wake up. >> issalazar is suing cal train for not providing a safe work environment. the list of suspects is growing, a fifth person now has been charged in the high-profile killing of a south bay millionaire. 32-year-old katrina marie fritz was arraigned on murder and robbery charges yesterday. detectives claim she is a prostitute who was frequently hired by the victim, ravi kumra, killed in a home invasion last november. fritz's brother is one of the three men charged in the case. another suspect and prostitute, raven dixon has already been charged as an accessory. a gun buy-back event spear-headed by two bay area

fathers is taking place this morning on the peninsula. menlo park base protect our children has raised more than $30,000 for today's event which will trade firearms for cash, no questions asked, of course. organizers roger lee and james cook have children in palo alto schools and were deeply affected by the mass shooting in newtown, connecticut. connecticut. coming up later this morning it was an ugly day at the ball park as fists were flying between two california colleges. we'll talk about what led to this bench clearing brawl and we have all the days news plus your forecast coming up at 7:00. more local news in 30 minutes.

. welcome back to "today". it's saturday, 23rd day of february. pretty damp morning, but not too terribly cold. nice crowd outside. and if you're ever in the neighborhood, stop on by. join our crowd. inside i'm lester holt here with erica haill. coming up, another storm. flooding throughout the southeast and folks this massachusetts and maine take out their snow shovels again.

a new storm also churning out west. we'll tell you all about that when dylan joins us shortly. >> also ahead, oscar pistorius, his first full day of freedom. the former olympian. afterle following his valentine's day arrest in the shooting death of his girlfriend. we'll take a look at what is next for him. >> and then new problems this morning for lance armstrong. the justice department has joined a civil lawsuit against him. they're alleging that his use of performance enhancing drugs essentially defrauded the postal service out of tens of millions of dollars. of course he was their spokesman. plus we'll talk about first lady michelle obama. back in the spotlight as she makes a big push for her anti-obesity campaign and that included a little time with jimmy fallon on friday night where she demonstrated how let's move really is more than a slogan. and there's a new diet that lets you eat whatever you want most of the time, but -- always

a but -- it involves fasting. so are these diets merely fads or is there some science behind them, do they really work? we'll hear what our experts have to say about that. >> and prepare yourself. we have the strobe lights, we have the microphones. we have the lyrics. we may not have the lyrics down. >> they're in the monitor. >> all inside the karaoke cab out on the plaza this morning all the way from dallas. we'll give it a try. >> should be fun. but we want to begin with another big blast of winter weather from coast to coast. dylan is tracking it all. good morning. a lot of the folks will be hit again. >> that seems to be the trend. every area that has been hit will get more wintry weather. this time it is heading bag into new england and right now, it's dumping several inches of rain in the southeast. some areas could see up to a foot of snow as parts of the midwest are struggling this morning to get back on track. the know kept on coming and

coming and coming as so many were making their way home from after presidents' day vacation. slid off the run way it cleveland, but no one was hurt. problems from the snow bound midwest airports rippled out to cause over 2,000 flight cancellations. >> probably ten people sleeping in the restaurant. >> reporter: as for drivers respect they either h they either had to dig it out, scrape it off or push it out. making for dangerous conditions out on the roads. >> it's bad, real bad. icy. >> reporter: the minnesota highway patrol blames the snow for over 500 accidents. the roof gave way at this missouri dance school. before it was all over, there were 13 inches of snow on on the ground in northern oklahoma, 13 1/2 in northeast missouri, and 18 inches in southern kansas. on michigan's upper peninsula, it was deep enough to lose the dog.

thoughts of summer? these milwaukee brewers fans are camping out in subfreezing temperatures to be first in line when tickets go on sale. in massachusetts, they're getting the roads ready. >> the water and snow gets in the cracks, it freezes, and causes holes. so we have to keep up with it. >> right now we're seeing the rain down across the southeast and heavy rain at that. just south of atlanta, moving this to southern alabama, and northern florida, we will also see some thunderstorms, too, that could produce perhaps several inches of rainfall. winter weather advisories are in effect. it's interior new england that will see most of the snow. could see sleet mixed in in northwestern new jersey. but 6 to 9 inches would be isolated to interior areas moving up into new hampshire and again the highest elevations, most of southern new england would see about 3 to 6 inches,

right on the border of 1 to 3 along coast of boston. in the northwest, another storm system moving through idaho into nevada, this is going to be another major storm for the midwest. and an early look at what some of the computer models are saying for early next week, we could see another 6 to 12 inches of snow in the midwest, that's on p top of the major storm they are digging out from right now. >> all right, can till pldylan,. want to head to south africa where oscar pistorius is spending his first full day out on bail. michelle kosinski is in pretoria with more. >> reporter: oscar pistorius went to his uncle's house, but he's not allowed to know back to his gateded mansion which is also the scene of the alleged crime. that's just one of many conditions of his bail. still, free he is. his coach even says he wants to start training him again as soon as monday. oscar pistorius had reason to

smile, but didn't, heading home with his family out of jail. while an international pack of photographers chased their suvs all the way to his uncle's secure home. when his two hour ruling was read friday keeping the word ldn the edge of its seat. the emotion flowed. pistorius sobbed, his body shaking, his family overcome with relief, at one point holding hands and praying. >> we are relieved that oscar got bail today. but at the same time, we are in mourning for the death of reeva with her family. >> reporter: a friend of reeva steenkamp was also in court. >> justice will prevail and it's very sad, we need to remember

thatle that somebody lost their life. >> reporter: a relative's home may be where he has to stay possibly more than a year leading up to trial. the judge ruled he will have to surrender his passport, can't use guns or alcohol, will have to check in with police 2w50itw week starting monday. pistorius' agent canceled all his upcoming races. sponsors including nike canceled contracts. but he wants to start training again immediately. >> just to get his mind sort of clear, the sooner he can start, the better. >> reporter: in court, the judge said he had difficulties with parts of pistorius' story. why he rushed to what was pistorius claimed was danger, never went searching for his girl trend when he realized she wasn't this bed. but he ruled that a free pistorius is not a danger and in this case won't run.

pistorius doesn't have to be back in court until june. this morning reeva steenkamp's father gave an interview to a newspaper saying the only ones who really know what happened is oscar pistorius and god. and it doesn't matter how much money he has or how great his legal team is he will have to live with his conscience and that if he tells the truth, her father says, he may one day be able to forgive pistorius. >> michelle, thanks. lance armstrong faces a serious new legal challenge this morning. the justice department has joined one of his former racing teammates suing him for using performance enhancing drugs during the tour de france. pete williams has more. >> reporter: after successfully dodging formal cheating allegations for years, lance armstrong now has a powerful new adversary, the united states government suing him for tens of in millions of dollars.

the justice department has signed on to a lawsuit claiming that when lance armstrong raced for the u.s. postal service team a decade ago, he defrauded the government by violating its strict ban on illegal drugs while claiming that he did not use them. the government joined a suit filed two years ago by floyd landis, one of armstrong's former teammates. >> it amped it up considerably. a complete game changer. >> reporter: an expert on this kind of false claims action says it's a biggest came laescalatio. >> they would much rather be defending himself geps landis' lawyers than the justice department. >> reporter: among the claims that landis saw armstrong store and reinject his own blood to boost performance and that armstrong twice gave landis banned hormones before races. last month armstrong gave a generaled a miss of cheating in an interview with oprah winfrey. >> this issue of performance enhancers, again, to me that was we'll pump up our tires, put

water in our bottles and, oh, yeah, that, too, is going to happen. >> reporter: while this is a civil case, armstrong could face huge fines in the government wins because the postal service paid at least $30 million to sponsor his racing team during the period covered by the lawsuit. armstrong's lawyers say they tried for weeks to reach a settlement with the justice department and they claim that no matter what arm strong did, the government still came out ahead. in a written statement, his lawyers say the postal service's own study shows it benefited tremendously, benefits totally more than $100 million. the justice department has made clear that armstrong's confession on tv will be a factor going forward. most cases in this kind end in a settlement and this this new action turns up the pressure to reach one. >> pete williams, thank you. time for a check of some of the other morning's top stories. >> good morning, everyone. with the deadline looming, president obama is warning this

morning how you could be affected if congress fails to act on the automatic spending cuts. >> they'll slow our economy. they'll eliminate good jobs. they'll leave many families who are already stretched to the limit scrambling to figure out what to do. >> on friday ray lahood warned the faa will have to furlough 47,000 employees which he says could slow air travel. the president says he'll meet with congressional members this weekend, republicans insist any plan should be based only on entitlement reform and spending cuts. pope benedict continues to heat with world leaders before he steps gown next week. the pope met are italy's president this morning just with five days before he steps downl church. the pentagon has grounded its fighter jets after a crack was found in the jet. the navy and marine corps versions will stay on the ground until engineers can figure out

how it got there. lindsey vonn recovers from knee surgery after the horrific crash. she says she doesn't think she should have been out on that course in the first place. in a conference call on friday, vonn said conditions were not safe. she's blasting race officials for letting the race go forward. vonn says the conditions are with you much different by the time she raced than when she'd inspected it hours earlier. you can hear more in an exclusive interview with matt lauer coming up this monday on "today". a daring rescue on lake michigan all for dog, dog for one, who was stuck on the ice and fell in the water. so a passer by through on his wet suit and jumped in to help. later that night, we don't have video, but the dog bought the passer by a drink at the local tavern. of course he did it. and finally, no crying in baseball and no clock being in

baseball. some didn't get the memo. the second baseman shoves the runner after getting caught. from there it was game on. benches from both sides clearing as everyone jumps in. the players involved were suspended. uc riverside beating sacramento state. >> i went to sacramento state. >> is that where you get your temper from? no, you are actually the sweetest person. dylan's back with a check of the national forecast. >> well, we are talking about some major storms right now it's in the southeast in the form of rain. it will move into new england as we go especially into later this evening and tonight, i'd say about 6 to 9 inches in high aer elevations. heavy rain in the carolinas. middle of the country is dry, but early next week there's a

we're watching areas of a little bit of drizzle starting to clear out of the bay area, which set the trend for clearing, west-northwesterly winds mixing in dry air behind that bringing in a weak front, enough clouds to give us a few areas of drizzle this morning. clearing skies heading into the afternoon, upper 50s, close to 60 today. tomorrow a little bit warmer but if you like warmer weather second half of the week ahead looks good, 60s to maybe 70s by the end of the week but we really could use the rain and snow, not seeing it there in your seven-day forecast. as her new bang. now first lady michelle obama is showcasing another lighter side of herself as she promotes her "let's move" campaign on. jimmy fallon she showed off some of her mom dance moves. classics likes sprinkler, raising the roof, and, yes, the shopping cart. kristen welker has that story. >> reporter: first lady michelle obama showcasing her lighter

side on "late night." >> you don't have much time for tv. i mean, how do you have time for personal stuff? like how about dates? >> we try to do date nights. it's tough, you know, barak has a 20-car motorcade. it's got men with guns, ambulance -- the ambulance is always there. i mean, how romantic can you be? >> you got an ambulance pulling up. >> you know, he's like -- we're going to go a romantic dinner. i'm like, is the ambulance coming? >> reporter: in her first sit down interview with jimmy fallon, the first lady marked the third anniversary of let's move, her campaign to promote healthy children. she even talked a little politics. >> dream team, michelle and hillary, 16. [ applause ] >> you know, i have my eye actually on another job. and i hear that when jay leno retires -- >> reporter: this caps a busy week for the first lady who released a new portrait and a psa with big bird. >> there's so many different

activities you can do. >> reporter: she also appeared on "rachael ray," confessing what was behind her decision to get a new do. >> this is my mid-life crisis. the bangs. >> reporter: it's been said president obama has come into his own in his second term, pushing controversial legislation like gun control and going after republicans with a new confidence. can the same be said of the first lady? past first ladies from laura bush to hillary clinton and nancy reagan assumed more prominent roles on the world stage. >> some first ladies do tend to take on more global roles in a second term. [ laughter ] >> reporter: for now, she certainly seems to have found her groove. for "today," kristen welker, nbc news, the white house. >> and jimmy fallon found his groove, too. still to come next, a little boy calls 911 to complain about his bedtime. got more than he bargained for. that's after these messages. one. two. three.

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..."let me show you what i just did." more saving. more doing. that's the power of the home depot. outsmart your budget with glass and stone mosaic tile, just $6.98 a square foot. if you're a parent or take care of children, you'll relate to this story. the trials of bedtime, putting little ones to sleep and getting an earful instead. for one massachusetts mom, it turned into a close call after her son dialed 911. michelle franzen has the story. >> reporter: when shamain rosario's son danny refused to go to bed, he didn't just put his foot down. he pulled out all the stops. >> i'm going to call the cops on you. 911. he just pushes it into the phone. >> reporter: the 10-year-old boston area boy made the 911 call and then hung up, his mom said, when he heard the digs patcher. but police called right back. >> this is 911. somebody just called from there?

>> yeah. it was my 10-year-old son. >> reporter: rosario explained what happened -- >> would you like to talk to the police? because you can't be calling 911 when there is no emergency. because they need it for people who actually are in trouble. >> reporter: then she decided to turn the false 911 call into a lesson when a police officer was sent to the house. >> i said, make this a learning experience for him. and he went and spoke with him and told him it the consequences of that action. >> reporter: the boy wasn't charged for making the false calls, but family flowns say he got -- family friends say he got the message. >> he was really scared when she found out that they were sending the police. he was actually really scared because he didn't think that he was doing anything wrong. >> reporter: lesson learned. and score one for mom. for "today," michelle franzen, nbc news, new york. still ahead, a diet that lets you eat what you want most of the time. is it another fad, or can this one work? we'll get the experts to weigh in. first, this is "today" on nbc.

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still to come on "today," hollywood's biggest night has a new name and face. will it help attract a new audience? plus, a party on wheels. something with lights, microphones, songs. the karaoke cab is here on our plaza. and oh, yes, we'll give it a try. first, these messages. great ne. you think you can find one at walmart? maybe. let's go see. alright. let him tell you about sprint. we've got the samsung galaxy s iii on the sprint 4g lte network for just $148! nice! wow. and -- you get a $50 gift card. awesome. we can split it. i don't think so. okay. [ earl ] see for yourself. get a $50 walmart gift card when you buy any samsung smartphone on the sprint 4g lte network. now through march 2nd. walmart.

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good morning, looking live at a bit of a misty shot, we saw the windshield wipers going in foster city. if you're heading out the door you ma i have to turn yours on, too. i'm kris sanchez along with meteorologist rob mayeda. probably by the morning, maybe the afternoon? >> later on this morning the clearing working from north to south during the day. right now light rain around mt. hamilton. the clouds are thinging out, west-northwest winds mixing in drier air, a weak front came by

overnight but enough moisture at the ground level there to wring out just a little bit of drizzle and light rain early but by the afternoon should see mostly sunny skies. upper 50s, cse to 60 today and tomorrow a few less clouds, a bit warmer and high pressure building again, 60s and low 70s toward the start of next weekend. >> thank you very much, rob. for the first time in years an oakland man is waking up a free man this morning. it was an emotional reunion between 51-year-old ronald ross and his mother yesterday afternoon in her home in dublin. ross was released from jail after spending seven years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. it took a four-year investigation by a san francisco law firm, a private investigator, and a northern california innocence project to free ross who faced a 25 years to life in prison for attempted murder. there are serious allegations that the oakland police sergeant in charge of the investigation at the time not only did shoddy work but showed the shooting victim six photos and told him

to pick ross' picture out of the line-up. as for mom and son, they are not going to dwell on the years they lost. they are cherishing what's to come. >> god blessed me to be free again. >> he said we're going to be all right, mom, we're going to be all right and i'm quite sure we'll be all right because the lord let me live to see him get out. >> ross is originally from louisiana and says he will be taking a much needed vacation there to see his four adult children. this morning a former actor and theater teacher is accused of child molestation. police in pleasant hill investigated jason pedrosa after receiving a tip he engaged in sex acts with underraged girls. police believe the alleged crimes happened in walnut creek. the company said he was fired from his job in november. he also worked at a walnut creek

ballet school. police are urging anyone who might have had contact with pedroza to contact them. the city of san jose will start flipping the switch this morning working to reconnect some 900 street lights. crews will work along camden avenue, blossom hill and tulle road where the lights were shut off four years ago because of budget cuts. the city council approved a plan to turn them back on, should take about three months to get that work done. coming up on "today in the bay," it was an ugly day at the ball park, between two colleges, why? we'll talk about that plus all the day's news and the forecast on "today in the bay."

nice energy to wake us up on a damp morning. we're back on this saturday morning, february 23, 2013. a lot of friend out here with us. and a lot of birthdays. 8, 10, 16. a good day to celebrate a birthday. good month for birthdays, right? >> i think it's a great month for a birthday. if yours happens to be on the 26th, you hit the jackpot. >> wow. everybody -- we -- >> what, tuesday? what are you talking about? >> i'm erica hill alongside lester holt, soon-to-be birthday girl jenna wolfe, and dylan

dreyer. still to this hour, oscar countdown. plenty of buzz building. there's a new brand of humor many are expecting from this year's host, seth macfarlane. and a lot of talks talking about how people are hoping this will get a new generation of viewers to tune in. how far will he take the jokes? we'll get into that. we'll talk about a new diet that essentially says you only need to restrict your food intake on two days out of the week. too good to be true? we'll consult the experts and find out if this maybe is the trick. and i had the tough task of heading down to florida this past week to check out the global pet expo. from buteauty products to fashi and food, we'll show you the latest products to pamper your pet. then we've been talking about this all morning -- we speak pretty well. we sing not as well. we are going to take a stab at karaoke taxi. >> uh-huh. >> it is the most fun you will have on four wheels. they have strobe lights, a smoke machine, microphone, lyrics.

it is here on our plaza. >> there it is. >> and it drove here from dallas, texas, to join us. the meter is still running. and i think we are on the hook for that tab. hi, francisco. there you go. >> i think we're putting it on lester's corporate card this time. >> it already is. that among other things -- >> did you say cut off? first, before we get to that -- i know you're ready for it -- we're getting a final check of weather from dylan. >> it is getting misty out here, not the best hair day for sure. we are looking at rain and snow possible in the northeast. it will be more of a new england snowstorm more than anything else. good morning. >> good morning. >> we are going to see the chance of interior locations of new england pick up about three to six, perhaps nine in the higher elevations. some elevations is possible in portions of pennsylvania and northwestern new jersey. heavy rain is the story down through the southeast, more snow is moving into wyoming. that is going to transform into another midwest snowstorm. you can see it's already moving back into nebraska and kansas by sunday. there is the chance kansas city

by early next week could end up with another six to 12 inches of snow on top of the major snowstorm that area and here's a look at some skies starting to clear over san jose after some drizzle and some light rain in a few spots around the bay area this morning. we'll see mostly sunny skies, the winds kicking up a bit, west-northwest 10 miles per hour, keeping the temperatures upper 50s, low 60s. the skies will clear up to wrap up the weekend. into the work week, high pressure holding strong. temperatures will be climbing wednesday, thursday and friday. >> this is you? >> yes. >> okay. both of you. we've figured it out. the future for the "today" show. lester? >> all right. thanks. all eyes will be on hollywood for tomorrow night's oscar awards. the show has a new name and a new host. but will it be enough to attract

new younger viewers? mara schiavocampo has more. good morning. good morning. that's right. this year, the 85th annual academy awards will simply be known as the oscars. one of the many ways the show is changing to keep up with the times and a younger audience. for hollywood's biggest night, the oscars are rolling out the red carpet for a very special group of guests -- young viewers. >> the oscars are 85 years old now. they're trying to look younger, fresher, hipper. >> reporter: the academy awards is one of the most popular tv events of the year, expected to bring in 40 million viewers. but the audience isn't just big, it's old. when the audience is old, that affects advertising dollars. >> they're looking for the coveted 18 to 49 age group to be watching the oscars. that's an age group that has kind of left the oscar telecast in the last decade where the average age of viewership has risen. >> reporter: so the awards show is changing with the times. first up, a new name.

sort of. don't thank the academy, this week one of the show's producers said the 85th annual academy awards will now simply be called the oscars. saying the old name is "musty." they are taking the fight on line, stepping up their twitter presence with the hash tag, #oscars. even the statue presenters will be younger, those leggy models replaced by college students. >> the producers of the show sayisa say, how would you like to be on the oscars? what would that feel like? i was like, that would feel great. >> reporter: the biggest change on stage -- host seth macfarlane. >> if you don't know who i am, pretend i'm donnies on manned. you'll be -- donnie osmo >> virtually unknown to many viewers, macfarlane directed "ted," the highest-grossing "r" rating ever. his shows, including the animated series "family guy," have one of the youngest audiences on tv. >> but i want to congratulate

today's nominees and also those who weren't nominated, you can stop doing interviews where you pretend you had such a great time making the movie. >> the academy hope macfarlane. >> critics handed james franco and ann hathaway and the viewers went up. they are counting on him to satisfy traditionalists, but in the end, it's not the host that determines viewership. >> it's the movies nominated and whether the general public feels they have a connection to those movies. >> also the lore of younger stars like jennifer lawrence and jessica chastain may be the biggest draw. it's the star power that brings people in. >> i take some exception to what he said at the end. we tend to remember the hosts in many ways more than we do the movies. >> that's true, but a lot of people will tune in to root for movies. if you don't see movies that

attract a younger audience. it's like my super bowl, they call it the female super bowl. >> i come in and out of it. just can't glue for all those hours. mara, thanks. good to have you here. on monday, we'll be in los angeles with a complete wrap of the oscars, the winners, the fashions, and the parties. now here's erica. >> lester, thanks. americans are obsessed with dropping pound, and one new diet claims, get this, you can lose weight and only have to count calories twice a week. is this just the latest fad or can it work? katie has the story. >> reporter: diet, a four-letter word and one of the most hated in the english language. >> all i had to eat was a chicken breast and case of diet coke. >> really? i haven't had anything since friday. >> reporter: what about a diet that lets you eat whatever you want most of the time? that's what proposed in michael

moseley's new book. feasting five days a week and fasting for two. >> it's not about starvation. it's about having periods where you eat less, and the patent i'm trying at the moment is two days a week. five days a week you eat reasonably and two days a week you eat a quarter of your normal calories. >> reporter: a quarter, meaning average women are eating 500 calories, average men, 600. visualize this, on your off days you can have any of this. maybe even some of all of it, but on your on days you can only have this. for 24 hours. >> this diet is not about gorging, binging, or a get-out-of-jail free card for eating. you can't confuse eating whatever you want all the time in the other five days because it won't work. weight loss is about calories in, calories out. >> reporter: despite what you read, you still can't gorge yourself.

dr. lauren green, though, isn't buying the hype. >> most people on this diet are going to be hungry, irritable, feel wiped out, and yet overeat at the end of it. and it hasn't taught anybody anything, nor has it taught the body how to lose weight. >> reporter: pros or cons, would you go that far for ten pounds? >> i don't really think that i would be on board with it. do it the old-fashioned way. >> it might be worth giving it a shot to suffer for those two days. >> absolutely not. i couldn't live on 500 calories a day. i would die. >> reporter: another day, another diet, another dream. for "today," nbc news, new york. up next, products galore for your four-legged friend, dylan and bosco take us inside the expo, but first, these messages. ♪ i -- i got it, i got it made

♪ i got it made, i got it made ♪ i got it made ♪ fresh at subway ♪ breakfast made the way i say [ male announcer ] at subway, you got breakfast made. like an under 200 calorie steak egg white & cheese. subway. eat fresh. like an under 200 calorie steak egg white & cheese. tand delicious, soft caramel.

to fill you up and keep you moving, whatever your moves. payday. fill up and go! with thermacare heatwraps. thermacare works differently. it's the only wrap with patented heat cells that penetrate deep to relax, soothe, and unlock tight muscles. for up to 16 hours of relief, try thermacare. ♪ and they called it puppy love ♪ your fact for the day -- 62% of american households have at least one pet. the set has at least one pet, as you can see. that's 380 million animals, and as dylan found out, there's an entire industry dedicated to making sure our pets have

everything they could possibly want. >> this is posk oh. yeah, she is making her -- bosco. yeah, she is making her television debut. earlier this week, first time on a plane. we attended the global pet expo. what we saw blew us both away. every dog has its day, and today is bosco's. my 11-pound miniature schnewser who flew 700 miles with me to attend the global pet expo in orlando, florida. ♪ >> reporter: more than 900 companies from around the world showcased products for dogs, cats, birds, fish, and retiles. that's 11 football fields worth of treats and treasures. something for every season, style, and sensible. there are products of all kinds for all sorts of pets. how necessary are these products? >> because the pets give us unconditional love in return, no matter what kind of poet it is,

we tend to want to reward pets in human terms. so it necessary? yeah. >> reporter: there are 380 million pets in the u.s., and 62% of american households own at least one of them. making up a $53 billion industry. this isn't a dog and pony show. it's the real thing. >> i think i put them on the wrong feet. >> reporter: from pugs, yes -- from ughs, yes, uggs for dogs, to chicken coops. anything but cagey. i could live in here. it's bigger than my apartment. all of our furry and feathery friends have something to keep their heads, shoulders, knees, and toes, warm, cool, and dry. i'm one of millions who dotes on my pet. seeing the trend, there's a lot of beneficial products out there. >> one of the trends that we keep seeing is the natural and organic foods and the like. the natural and organic products, technology there's breakst. louis coming.

>> reporter: there are products that make pets feel beautiful. >> every time you buy one, we donate one to a dog in need. >> reporter: and out. >> good girl. >> reporter: some that keep them safe like this collar with a gps tracker. >> this product allows your pet to give them a text or e-mail when they're in trouble. >> reporter: and busy with ones that work off the pounds and some that pack them on but taste oh, so good. bosco, sit. whether your best friend is big or small, whether they swim, walk, or crawl, the global pet expo has something for all. and i have to vouch for the pedicure. it's still on, and mine -- >> pet-icure? >> i should have. i. >> i thought but. >> that was good. pet-icure. >> it lasts longer than mine. >> are you going to get matching pedicures? >> no, i only got one paw. >> was there something to bring snowman. >> this lar and the leash are -- this collar and leash are brand

new. i have a whole bag of treats. >> she's a cutie. >> thank you. she's behaving very well. up next, parties lights, disco ball, and microphones. all you need to get your party started in this cab called the karaoke cab. it's on the plaza. we'll give it a try. first, this is "today" on nbc.

karaoke is sort of the universal uuniter. it doesn't matter the language, it's an experience we all can share anywhere. >> you have to admit we all have tried it or thought about trying it or sounded terrible trying to try it. >> or been amazing -- >> or been amazing. i haven't experienced that. so here's the deal -- as i found out, when karaoke comes to you, it is an entirely different tune. in dallas, texas, the most fun on four wheels takes place right

here. ♪ hey i just met you and this is crazy ♪ >> thanks to francisco's karaoke taxi. how do people react when they see that van coming by? >> when i stop the car, people get excited. do you know what i do? lock the doors and leave the window this small just to talk. >> reporter: inside, more than $5,000 worth of gadgets and gimmicks. you have strobe lights. you have the black light. you have a smoke machine, a bubble machine. what don't you have in this van? >> i don't have a toilet. >> reporter: oh, thank goodness. the lack of facilities, not keeping anybody away. the karaoke taxi books up months in advance. what's been your most profitable night? >> $825. >> reporter: the cost for more fun than anyone can handle -- $75 an hour or about $2 a mile. and what do you get for that? karaoke. your choice of songs, multiple microphones, and the much, much

needed words. do people think you're crazy? >> people think i am crazy. we have to be crazy to have a good time. ♪ oh baby >> reporter: a good time on the inside that leaves onlookers song struck. [ laughter ] >> reporter: karaoke transition -- empty orchestra is a craze that in this country makes up a $370 million industry. ♪ sweet caroline >> reporter: to take on these cowboys -- ♪ >> reporter: i needed to bring out the big guns. ♪ >> reporter: real estate agent by day and karaoke god by night, drew andrews is the reigning national karaoke champion. is there a song that it's like everybody's go-to song? >> back in the day, i used to sing "cold as ice." ♪ she's cold as ice i'm awful. and my secret weapon -- ♪ lady you're my knight in shining armor and i love you ♪

i feel like i'm going to be so good at this. >> you got that strong, deep -- >> reporter: it's also a cold. my plan -- lay low. sing small, and when the time is right, release my inner diva. ♪ we are never ever ever getting back together ♪ ♪ what you want baby i got it ♪ ♪ d.j. played ♪ ♪ >> reporter: right after right -- does this have to be right next to us? >> reporter: i'm cast aside by the hardware. absolutely, as a matter of fact, could you give it a little breathing room? >>. >> reporter: after hearing drew sing -- ♪ me and mrs. jones >> reporter: that trophy was well deserved. it's a duet, really? >> you got to help me. >> reporter: help you? >> yes! >> reporter: karaoke taxi, where anybody can be a rock star. ♪ we'll meet at the same >> reporter: at least for a night. ♪ love me

and mrs. jones ♪ >> reporter: francisco drove 1,600 miles from dallas to invite us here to sing what we're about to sing now. >> it's good. ♪ where it began i can't begin to not it ♪ >> our careers are taking off right now. ♪ it's going strong >> ♪ the fog is on. it's all good. ♪ was in the spring and spring became the summer ♪ ♪ you should come along >> you can rent this for party! >> you can? >> ♪ hands ♪ hands touching hands ♪ reaching out ♪ touching me touching you ♪ >> that's a high one! >> here we go.

♪ sweet caroline ♪ bum bum bum ♪ good times never seemed so good ♪ ♪ so good so good so good ♪ i've been inclined bum bum bum ♪ ♪ to believe it never would but now i ♪ >> i like this. >> yeah. >> fun. >> it is fun. >> they run the meter? you stop and they run the meter? >> yeah. this is it. >> you just add 47 12-year-old girls, and you've got yourself quite a night. we'll be back after this. ♪ [ female announcer ] start simple. ♪ start right. ♪ kellogg's simple grains cereals take you from seed... ♪ ...to spoon. with just a few ingredients.

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tonight from the karaoke cab? >> probably not. ♪ ♪ i should have changed that stupid lock i should have made you leave your key ♪ [ cheers ] ♪ walk out the door just turn around ♪ ♪ you're not welcome anymore ♪ weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with good-byes and you grumble ♪ ♪ you think i'd lay down and die ♪ ♪ you know that i i will survive ♪ ♪ oh as long as >> amazing that you have soul. you do. it's remarkable. ♪ hey hey ♪ >> oh, the musical influence -- >> diet. >> you know -- there you go. ready? >> here we go.

>> go for it. >> bring it on home. ♪ it took all the strength i had not to fall apart ♪ >> bye! good morning, i'm kris sanchez. coming up next on "today in the bay," he is finally a free man. >> all right? >> um-hum. >> fine, are you? >> the emotional reunion between a mother and her son who spent seven years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. plus a railroadworker opens up about an accident that nearly cost him his life. why he says he is now suing cal train. plus a half court trick shot like you have never seen before. "today in the bay" is next.

good morning. looking live at the bay bridge toll plaza, looks nice and calm, just a little bit of pink sunrise there but we know there's mist in other parts

around the bay. thanks for joining us. i'm kris sanchez along with meteorologist rob mayeda, and depending on where you are, you might need your windshield wiper this is morning. >>est mo of the clouds are moving out of the bay area which is nice. clearing skies in san jose, what's left of the sprinkles south of livermore towards mt. hamilton right now. we did have light rain around the trivalley and into san jose earlier but that has moved on. morning temperatures not too bad. morning lows in the 40s to low 50s and notice the wind, the wind will be picking up this afternoon, some drier air will sweep in, we'll continue to see the clearing skies today, highs upper 50s, close to 60 today and it looks like tomorrow we'll see a little bit of a warmup but the warmest temperatures ahead are for the second half of the seven-day forecast as we continue to ignore the calendar in the long range forecast. we need rain and snow, just not much of it coming up in the next seven days. >> hopefully seven days after that perhaps. thank you very much, rob. new this morning, san francisco police are investigating a deadly shooting in the city's ocean view

neighborhood. police say they responded to reports of a shooting near the intersection of capital avenue and minerva street last night. the victim was dead by the time they arrived. as of now there are no suspects in the shooting and no motive. for the first time in years an oakland man is waking up a free man this morning. it was an emotional reunion between 51-year-old ronald ross and his mother yesterday afternoon at her home in dublin. ross was released from jail after seven years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. it took a four-year investigation by a san francisco law firm, a private investigator, and a northern california innocence project to free ross who faced a 25 years to life in prison for attempted murder. there are serious allegations that the oakland police sergeant in charge of the investigation at the time not only did shoddy work but showed the shooting victim six photos and told him to pick ross' picture out of the line-up. as for mom and son, they are not dwelling on those years lost,